4 Reasons Work Retreats are Extremely Valuable to the Bottom Line

Work retreats have long been an opportunity to increase employee morale, develop leadership among employees, and take a break from the stressful work week. The fall is the perfect time to plan work retreat facilitation. Summer vacations are out of the way and many businesses are heading into their busy season. Give your employees the extra boost of productivity with work retreat facilitation.

Work retreats create stronger relationships
Strong relationships in a work setting increase productivity and job satisfaction. Although many employees spend long work weeks together, bonding is not always achieved. The work week is busy and hectic and the office environment is sometimes strict and non accepting of social communication. Sometimes, getting employees out of the office and into a work retreat facilitation bonding activity is extremely beneficial. These closer relationships will foster support, mentorship, and comfort among employees.

Work retreats develop leaders
Many businesses have found that promoting from within provides the best leaders. However, it can be difficult to establish who will be a good leader, if they are not currently in a leadership position. Work retreat facilitation gives lower level employees the chance to test out their soft skills. These soft skills are indicative of employee ability to problem solve, a measure of reliability, and leadership potential. Among the top 10 soft skills sought by employers include work ethic (73%), dependability (73%), positive attitude (72%), self motivation (66%), team orientation (60%), and organization skills (57%).

Work retreats improve employee satisfaction
We currently live in a world where it is extremely easy to jump from one job to another. In fact, a large percentage of employees are always keeping a lookout for new and better job positions. Employees are more likely to jump jobs if they are not currently satisfied with their employment. Work retreat facilitation not only aids in leadership development, but it also tends to improve employee satisfaction. Employees get the ability to spend time with coworkers outside of the office environment. They also have the ability to be promoted from within. Showing respect and valuing employees is the best way to reduce high employee turnover rates.

Work retreats save money
Some businesses may be hesitant to plan work retreats because of the costs that are associated. However, you will find that work retreats may actually save you money, in the long run. Firstly, by improving job satisfaction of employees and reducing high turnover rates, you can cut costs of hiring and training. Your HR consulting company can focus on handling everyday human resource tasks, instead of constantly hiring and training new employee candidates.

Secondly, work retreats allow you to hire and train from within. Not only are these employees more likely to stick around for longer, you don?t have to spend on attracting high level employees. One of the most important benefits of employee training and development is that the training is directly applied to your business and its success. An employee development program expands upon the same skills that will improve your bottom line. About 85% of managers say work ethic and attitude are the most important considerations in choosing a candidate. By choosing a current employee with good work ethic and a good attitude, you are encouraging loyalty and success.

The U.S. has a shortage of leaders. In fact, a study by University of North Carolina Kenan Flagler Business School and the Human Capital Institute (HCI), found that 85% of respondents agree that there is an urgent need to accelerate the development of their leaders. Work retreat facilitation is a great way to promote from within. These retreat opportunities give you the ability to monitor and test current employee?s soft skills. Promoting these same employees from within will cut your retention costs and leave you with highly qualified and loyal leaders.